First Build - No Video

[kelshak]

This is my first PC Build. This is a Christmas project with my children that is (unfortunately) not working out so well. Looks like daddy is not as smart as he would like the kids to believe.

I installed my Motherboard (ECS nFORCE4M-A), my CPU and Fan (AMD Athlon X2 4200+), my memory (2 x 512MB Corsair DDR2 800 ... TWIN2X1024A-6400) and my video card (Leadtek PX7600GT), my Power Supply and Case Fans and connected my monitor (nothing else).

When I turn on power, my fans all turn on (Case, Motherboard, CPU Fan, Video Card Fan, etc.) but that is about it. My monitor states "No Signal Connected" and I can't see any other evidence of life.

Unfortunately my case does not have a case speaker (oops ... missed that one). I will try and find one tomorrow.

I did try to move the memory sticks around and then try just one stick by itself ... no change.

My monitor has a VGA input but my Video Card only has DVI outputs. I am using a converter but I awas wondering if that could be a source of the problem? If not, is there any way to determine of I have a bad CPU, motherboard, memory or video card (other than wiring in a case speaker, which I will try and do tomorrow)?

I did test my monitor with another PC and it works just fine.

Thanks!

[newbuilder14]

Definitely try this: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409

If that doesn't work, what is the brand and model of your power supply, and while we're at it, any other specifications you have not yet listed.

ECS does not make the best motherboards, but before I would consider that the source or error I'd make sure your power supply is from a reputable manufacturer.

Do you have all power connectors installed and your video card in the correct slot?

[kelshak]

Thanks for the quick reply!

I tried the suugested post (assemble the basic unit outside the case) and the system behaved the same (no display on the monitor).

The power supply appears to be functioning (the fans on the case and motherboard turn on). It is a Sunbean brand of Power Supply.

My video card does not appear to have any power connectors beyond what is supplied via the PCI-Express slot (the only other connector is for SLI). I double checked this when I assembled the system outside of the case.

I am not certain what other specs would be of use. The monitor is a ViewSonic 19". The case is also a Sunbeam (my kids picked it out). Is there a key spec that I am not supplying?

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[newbuilder14]

If the power supply came with the case it may be low quality, and not be providing enough power.

Stick around for some other tips before you act, though.

[kelshak]

I purchased the Power Supply seperate from the case, though it was from the same vendor. It does seem to power the board and I did connect it to the hard drive and it was powered as well so I am guessign that it is working OK. Is there another way to test this?

Thanks!

[tempus]

Can you try another video card with the vga output? Also the power supply should be one the recommended ones for best results. Many cheap power supplies often fail because of overstressed components and ruin MB's and cpu's as a result.

[Stinger911]

I'm having a similar problem to Kelshak. Could grounding be the problem?

[kelshak]

Thanks for the reply.

You reference a "recommended list" for Power Supplies. Where can I find this list?

Also, what constitues a cheap power supply? Is there any way that I can test to see if it is a problem (other than frying Mainboards and CPUs)? I am guessing that there is no physical evicence when this happens.

Also, Also - Is there a way to tell if the mainboradr or the CPU is damaged?

Thanks!

[newbuilder14]

Sure, http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195 .

Good power supplies are heavy, give stable voltages within 5% of the given rail, etc.

A bad motherboard is the last thing to consider typically. I wouldn't suspect this unless you've tried many other troubleshooting steps.

Your CPU probably is not a problem since it isn't shutting down - but you could check for burn marks if everything else fails.

[kelshak]

I have a new question for this thread.

I was re-checking my mainboard wiring and I noticed that I had not supplied power to the "PWR1" Connectror. This is a 4-Pin Power connector (Pin 1and 2 are GRND, PIN 3 an 4 are +12V). I had assumed that this was a case fan connector but the manual labels it as a "auxiliary case power supply connector." It is also called a "ATX 12V Power Connector."

I did connect my 24 pin power connector to the Motherboard and I thought that was enough. Do I need to connect that PWR1 connector to the Power Supply? I have fudged enough with this computer that I am now afraid to give it a try for damaging a component by accident.

Can any experts out there help me understand what the Auxiliary Power Connector is and if it needs to be connected to the Power Supply for the system to work.

Thank you very much!

[newbuilder14]

You want the ATX12v power connector (the 4 pin) attached along with the main 24 pin power connector. These come from the power supply.

[kelshak]

Whoopeee!

That worked. Unfortunately it also means that I am an idiot ... but I don't care because it works!

Thanks for your help!!!

[flanzig1]

Don't worry about it,kelshak. That 4 pin mother board power connection has plagued new builders every since it was first needed years ago.

[amador_o]

I am having the same problem as kelshak, with the exception being my 4 pin mother board power connection is plugged in to my power supply.

Mother board - Intel D915PBL
http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/d915pbl/

CPU - Intel Pentium 4 641 3.20GHz /2MB Cache/800MHz FSB/ Hyper-Threading/Socket 775/ Cedar Mill
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...?EdpNo=1645058

Memory - Ultra Dual Channel 2048MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz Memory (2 x 1024MB)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...042&CatId=2261

Video Card - XFX GeForce 6800 Xtreme/256MB GDDR3/SLI/PCI Express/Dual DVI/HDTV/ Video Card
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...828833&CatId=0

Power Supply - Ultra/X-Connect/500-Watt/ATX/Dual 80mm Fan/Black-Color/ Modular Power Supply
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...874746&CatId=0

Well, in looking for the links to the parts in my tower, I discovered Ultra is now making "SLI ready" power supplies. Looks like that may be it. I probably won't buy a new power supply until after Christmas. And I think it'll be anything but Ultra. Do you guys think I'm on the right track? Oh, and one more thing. I have a 4 pin power connector on my video card. I tried it with that connection plugged into the power supply, and with it not plugged in. I both cases, the video card fan was still on, but no video. Is that normal? I will update some time next week. Thanks for the helpful suggestions already made, and those to come.

[flanzig1]

amador o: should start your own thread on your problem/you will get more help that way.
For your problem,start with the out of case build:http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=132409

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by flanzig1 That 4 pin mother board power connection has plagued new builders every since it was first needed years ago.

Some of us experienced builders would forget to plug in that 12v connector too...I know I've forgotten about it a couple of times .

Cricket